Lodi dreams of Italy

Catania midfielder Francesco Lodi admits it would be a dream to turn out for Italy one, but says he is focused only on Inter at the weekend.

Catania midfielder Francesco Lodi admits it would be a dream to turn out for Italy one, but says he is focused only on Inter at the weekend.

The Elefanti’s deep-laying playmaker has been in some of the best form of his career with the Sicilian club this season and was asked during the international midweek break if he sees himself breaking into Cesare Prandelli’s set up.

“La Nazionale? I was always involved with the Azzurri up to and including the Under-21s,” reflected the 27-year-old.

“To play for Italy would be a dream, why should I not hope, I am of a football mature age.

“At the moment my national team is Catania - a large club, a large support, I would sign here for life. If a day comes when I play for Italy, it would be merited whilst at Catania.

“For now, we think of work - this is the first year in which I am playing continuously in Serie A, it should not be forgotten.”

That continuous fixture list picks up again at the weekend with a trip to San Siro to face Inter. Whilst the Nerazzurri are on dismal run of League form, having lost five of the last six played, Lodi is under no illusion of the task at hand in order for his team to continue their good run.

“We are in a good run. We’ve had two consecutive victories against teams that are difficult to deal with and we had anticipated would be a major test.

“Inter is a team of champions who have won everything, they are going through a difficult period and will be angry, we will have to enter the field with a lot of enthusiasm.

“Our goal is to guarantee League survival without suffering in the process. In order to succeed, we must never lose sight of the need for maximum intensity during the week.”